Are Other Upper School Students at Potomac Not Getting Tests and Papers Back for Weeks at a Time?

[Anonymous]

An A- is a 3.7 while an A or A+ is a 4.0. So yeah, makes a big difference numerically for the GPA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The mid-year grades are seen. We just got these grades this week.

Yes, the course grade. But with no clue as to how that grade was determined. And to those who think some of us are quibbling over As and A-s, not us. I'm talking the differenc between C and Bs. It's no conspiracy theory. If everyone at the school got straight As, as so many do in publics, then nobody would stand out and few would wind up at top 20. If they have 15% of the grade standing heads and shoulders above the rest, then they can get into the top schools. It's why they have an application process for the top classes and why so many kids are kept out of APs and classes like economics. And trust me, the repurcussions of their actions have been tragic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The mid-year grades are seen. We just got these grades this week.

Yes, the course grade. But with no clue as to how that grade was determined. And to those who think some of us are quibbling over As and A-s, not us. I'm talking the differenc between C and Bs. It's no conspiracy theory. If everyone at the school got straight As, as so many do in publics, then nobody would stand out and few would wind up at top 20. If they have 15% of the grade standing heads and shoulders above the rest, then they can get into the top schools. It's why they have an application process for the top classes and why so many kids are kept out of APs and classes like economics. And trust me, the repurcussions of their actions have been tragic.

Sounds like a great school!

[Anonymous]

Tragic in what way?

[Anonymous]

We have put in an application for Potomac and awaiting decision in March. Thank you for starting this thread, OP. I certainly appreciate the chance to weigh this issue as we consider our options for the fall.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like many privates are the same way, not just Potomac, to be fair. It you have a good public option, consider it too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have put in an application for Potomac and awaiting decision in March. Thank you for starting this thread, OP. I certainly appreciate the chance to weigh this issue as we consider our options for the fall.

Seriously? You are going to "weigh" an "issue" brought up by a handful of people on an anonymous website that leans toward heavy snark??

Talk to the School, ask to speak with current parents, speak with a few alums. We are an extremely happy lifer Potomac family who appreciates the incredible education, social experiences, athletics, incredible arts programs, gorgeous campus, and lifelong ethical education that our kids are receiving. We have never had an issue with unduly late returns of graded assignments. We have had an incredible number of caring educators who have gone above and beyond to support and meet with my kids when needed, to cheer them on outside of the classroom, and to create a beautifully supportive sense of community.

I guess I feel bad about the direction this thread has taken. I would seriously hope that any student/parent with a concern would bring that to any number of the administrators who are responsible for the best practices to which good schools aspire. Doing so on an anonymous thread has limited constructive outcomes.

[Anonymous]

PP, that other post was fake. Don't get trolled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The mid-year grades are seen. We just got these grades this week.

They don't end up on the transcript. Only the final grade goes on the transcript.

[Anonymous]

Which post was fake? Only a few seemed unreasonable.

[Anonymous]

I can see why the OP would post here about this issue versus going directly to the school's administrators and teachers. It takes very little to be viewed as a pain in the tail parent and/or student. In high school, these kids will be needing the support of teachers (via letters of recommendation) and administrators/college counselors to guide them on college admissions. Even when you have a valid complaint (like the OPs), kids and parents are hesitant to raise a stink because they do not want to suffer potential repercussions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tragic in what way?

The worst you could think of. And nothing has changed. The "lifer" above with all their feel-good nonsense is disconnected--and probably hasn't had one or more go through the US yet. There is a large handful of those families who are the charmed ones and completely disconnected from what so many of the lesser performers face day in and day out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tragic in what way?

The worst you could think of. And nothing has changed. The "lifer" above with all their feel-good nonsense is disconnected--and probably hasn't had one or more go through the US yet. There is a large handful of those families who are the charmed ones and completely disconnected from what so many of the lesser performers face day in and day out.

You’re crossing a line here and should really stop. Just stop. Go to the administration and make your case about the application process for classes, but please knock it off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can see why the OP would post here about this issue versus going directly to the school's administrators and teachers. It takes very little to be viewed as a pain in the tail parent and/or student. In high school, these kids will be needing the support of teachers (via letters of recommendation) and administrators/college counselors to guide them on college admissions. Even when you have a valid complaint (like the OPs), kids and parents are hesitant to raise a stink because they do not want to suffer potential repercussions.

Every bit of this x 1000. Whomever started this thread, thanks for raising the subject. With Covid, we’ve been on campus very little and haven’t been able to form relationships with other parents to discuss these matters frankly. It makes me feel better to know these issues aren’t just ours and that they are more widespread and have been happening for years.

[Anonymous]

What is the application process for advanced classes? How are students left out of taking APs?